My career progression found its way through Master Data Management (MDM) into Data Governance (DG), and I always thought that this was more to do with me. Both are cross-functional domains with bottom-up Shares Service and top-down partnership and leadership components. I love that!

But there is one obvious regression line between them, and that is becoming more and more apparent in the era of AI/ML.

You must start any Data Governance activity first with getting control over your Master Data. This is even more significant in AI Governance, as I am learning through my engagements.

Once you govern your Master Data (and metadata as well as reference data subcomponents), you can start controlling other data, transactional, i.e. operational and analytical.

DAMA-DMBOK2^* also connects to 2 together, pointing out that DGC uses large programs like MDM for furthering data management because of their enterprise-wide scope.

Now, we all can see why more and more employers are opting for Master Data Governance leadership roles.

I would only request also looking for skills related to newer industry and solutions patterns in MDM as well as DG.